Salt & Wind Travel

Maple Pecan Shortbread Bars

Pecan pie is a must-have at holiday dinners but a whole slice can be a big commitment, yes? Our solution is these bite-sized pecan pie bars, aka Maple Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe.

I first made this recipe because my father loves pecan pie but a full slice was sometimes too much. Having these bars at a feast like Thanksgiving, you can have a pecan shortbread bite and still eat other desserts. 

I developed this recipe for my Food Network show, Ask Aida, and it has over forty 5-star reviews on their site! To me, the key is the doubled-up pecan flavor thanks to the buttery pecan shortbread that gets topped with a homemade pecan pie filling. The combination of maple syrup, toasted pecans, rum, and vanilla means each bite is packed with flavor. 

As someone with celiac disease, I’ve made this recipe with a variety of gluten-free flour mixes and it’s always come out delicious! Oh, and if you have leftovers (which I highly doubt), I love to freeze the individually-cut squares so I can have a frozen pecan pie bite whenever I desire. 

Go stock up on all your cooking essentials then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!

Maple Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe

Because pecan pie is a must-have at holiday dinners but a whole slice can be a big commitment, we made these bite-sized pecan pie bars, aka Maple Pecan Shortbread Bars Recipe.
5 from 8 votes
Prep Time 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 25 Servings
Calories 126 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pecan Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 3/4 cups roughly chopped pecans divided
  • 1/2 cup unrefined granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

For The Pecan Filling:

  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup light corn syrup (or Maple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup Pure maple syrup (or light molasses)
  • 1 tablespoon dark rum optional (or coffee liqueur or bourbon)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare The Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in middle. Butter an 8 by 8-inch baking dish then line with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving a few inches of overhang on each side. Place the lined baking dish in the freezer until ready to use. 
  • Make The Shortbread Crust: Combine 3/4 cup of the pecans with the 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a food processor. Pulse until the nuts are a coarse meal. Add the flour and process until it's a fine meal and evenly mixed. Cut 8 tablespoons of the butter into small cubes, add it, and pulse until the mixture comes together in a clump.
    Using the back of a lightly floured measuring cup, press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and place in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool briefly. Bake until lightly golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool at least 10 to 15 minutes before continuing. Meanwhile, make the filling.
  • Make The Pecan Pie Filling: Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and roughly chop the remaining pecans. Whisk together the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, melted butter, dark rum (if using), vanilla, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and eggs in a small bowl until well combined. Add the pecans and stir to combine evenly. Pour the pecan mixture over the crust and return the baking dish to the oven.
  • Bake The Pecan Pie Bars: Bake until top is well browned, slightly puffed, and set (it will no longer jiggle when the pan is shaken), about 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before removing from dish. Using a sharp knife, cut into 1-inch squares and serve at room temperature or warmed slightly. 

PERSONAL NOTES

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 193mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 196IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword pecan pie shortbread
Tried this recipe?Mention @saltandwind or tag #swsociety!

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